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Orthopedist

Accidents do happen and even though there are fortunate ones who leave the scene unscathed, there are still some who suffer from a nasty bone injury. Hence, there would be a great need for an attention coming from an orthopedist.

Definition

Orthopedics is a term that was coined by Nicholas Andry and it was derived from two Greek words "orthos" (straight) and "paideion" (child). This is the division of surgery that deals mainly with the conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.

The role of orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons is to diagnose and treat the problems of the bones, the ligaments, the tendons, and the joints. These specialists apply either surgical or nonsurgical interventions in managing sports injuries, musculoskeletal traumas, infections, tumors, congenital disorders, and degenerative diseases. Furthermore, the area of expertise of these professionals includes treating broken bones, straightening the spinal column, repairing or replacing the joints of the knees and hips, and they also change lost limbs with prosthetics.

Types of Patients

Orthopedists specialize in treating disorders and diseases attacking the musculoskeletal system of the human body. These medical experts focus not only on the bones and muscles but also on the nerves and connective tissues that are associated with movement.

Orthopedic surgeons go through a critical training in order for them to be qualified in treating almost all forms of disorders of the muscles and bones. They can treat simple cases of broken bones to the curving of the spin (scoliosis). Orthopedists are also trained in taking care of arthritis. Most importantly, these bone-and-muscle-oriented professionals are capable of treating all the age groups, may the patients be young or old.

Procedures

Through the years of relentless training, orthopedic surgeons become experts in different surgical procedures. Some of the procedures that are practiced by orthopedists include: carpal tunnel release, knee arthroscopy, hip replacement, lumbar spinal fusion, low back intervertebral disc surgery, and the like.